A Member of the Union for Reform Judaism May/June 2017 congregation congregation Kol Ami The Voice Kol Amiof frederick The Voice of Office:frederickA Member 182 Thomas of the Johnson Union f Drive,or Re Suiteform 204, Judaism Frederick, MD 21702 • Worship: 4880 Elmer Derr Rd., Frederick, MD 21703

From Rabbi A Member of the Union for Reform JudaismMessage from the President Scott Sperling By Joanna Sieger Dear Kol Ami, s our fiscal year draws to The parents who stay at Religious school to help a close, I want to thank Sabrina and help maintain the cafeteria between t this writing, all of our volunteers at classes. We thank you for all that you do. AKol Ami. There are many. And, Our members who have substituted in our I still have although I won’t name them for religious school. We had many classes left without a two and a A fear of leaving someone off the teacher and our classes were uninterrupted thanks half months left of list, I do want to share with you to you. my tenure as Kol a little of what they’ve been doing over the last few Our volunteers who have learned – were forced Ami’s interim rabbi. However, with months. to learn, really – how to assemble the Torah ark so it this, my third and final column in the Our Rabbi Search committee: this committee could be ready for services, and then break it down Voice, I am already looking past June began its work back in November. They met every once services are over. to welcoming Rabbi Simon Stratford other week for a couple of hours. They developed a Our volunteers who produce the Bulletin and the to the bima as Kol Ami’s new rabbi. survey so you could say what you wanted in our new Voice without fail. Whether you contribute, support rabbi and reviewed and referred to those results. us through advertising, edit or design it – I thank This has been, to say the least, an They reviewed over 20 resumes that came in. There you. eventful four months with many was an interview subcommittee that also met to There are a few people I will name, and although services, activities, b’nai mitzvah interview 14 candidates in hour-long interviews. they have jobs with Kol Ami, this year, they went and a wide-ranging search for our Some were interviewed in person, some over above and beyond what is normally expected of new rabbi. Here’s some of what I’ve Skype. Some were standard interviews and some them. Eric Dubbin was so much more than our learned. were more challenging. From those interviews, cantorial soloist this year. He stepped into the Even at a moment of disruption three candidates were brought in for visits and a role of leader and didn’t hesitate to do so. He second interview. The visits were scheduled with has coordinated with Rabbi Sperling to ensure and change, the foundation of Kol many different activities, including teaching our our services remain what we’ve come to know. Ami proved to be very, very strong confirmation class and Torah Study. All this was Additionally, Dr. Eric has worked with each of our and provided a secure platform from done to bring us the best rabbi and I believe they religious school classes on their class service, and which the search committee could achieved it. they are the best they’ve ever been. And last, but go forward with confidence and solid Our Board of Trustees: this group meets certainly not least, Sabrina Nail. Sabrina worked support across the congregation. It monthly, and in the last few months our meetings tirelessly to make sure that our religious school – not just allowed for but encouraged have lasted about two hours. We’ve had lots to for all grade levels – would continue. This meant input from many members of the discuss. We worked to ensure our congregation getting teachers to cover several classes who were would survive and that we would prevail, and we left without one. Additionally, our traditional congregation and I am sure that have. confirmation class trip to NYC – which is normally this was a crucial part of the great Our Fundraising Committee has worked planned, booked, and chaperoned by the Rabbi support that the committee and the tirelessly to make sure our May fundraiser is a – suddenly fell into her lap, and she planned and success. You may be aware that the original idea executed a fabulous trip. continued on page 3 for our May fundraiser ( in the works last year) To all of our volunteers – if you have given your was to honor Rabbi Sikowitz’s ten year ordination time and energy to Kol Ami this year, I thank you Our Mission anniversary. Our committee had to come up with a and it has not gone unnoticed. To be an inclusive Reform Jewish new plan and get it implemented quickly. There is a We are Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick. We really fun evening planned on May 13, and I hope are a community of many different backgrounds, congregation that is family focused, you will join me there. different occupations, and we live in different community oriented, emphasizes spiritual Anyone who jumped in to plan a party or activity locations around and about Frederick. We come and cultural identity, and is dedicated to the this year. Our Chanukah party, Purim party, together for a common purpose. Because we know, Passover seder, etc. None of those things happen “that there is no way to get from here to there Jewish education of all generations. without our volunteers. except by joining hands, marching together.”

Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • www.kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690 Thank you to Rabbi Scott Sperling abbi Scott Sperling seamlessly knowledge. He has guided Kol Ami religiously and helped us became the spiritual leader of our focus on the present and future. RKol Ami community. Personally, he represents both a kidney and a funny How is Rabbi Sperling like a funny bone? bone. Let me explain... If you had the opportunity to speak with Rabbi Sperling, We are reminded that there are 613 then you have had the pleasure to find out he is easy to talk to, commandments each time that we wear quirky, inspiring and engaging. Whether at Brotherhood dinners, our talit. There are 600 tzitzit (fringes), Shabbat services, B’nai Mitzvah or religious school, he can make 8 threads and 5 knots. It’s taught that you smile and laugh. there are 365 negative commandments, The grand plan is not always understood. Events happen (i.e. thou shall not...) corresponding for a reason. However, each of should give thanks to God that to the number of days in a calendar year, and 248 positive Rabbi Scott Sperling came into our lives to lead Kol Ami through commandments, corresponding to the number of bones and troubled times and on to new beginnings. organs in the body. Representing two body parts, the kidney Personally, whenever I take a drink of water to hydrate my and funny bone, Rabbi Sperling has come to us like two positive body, laugh a little or wear my talit, I will be reminded how Rabbi commandments! Scott Sperling said, “Here I am” when called upon. As Rabbi Sperling will soon depart as the spiritual leader of Kol How is Rabbi Sperling like a kidney? Ami, we want him to know that he has made a significant impact By extracting the good from the bad and filtering that which on our congregational lives. He will be thought of in a positive the congregation doesn’t need, Rabbi Sperling has allowed light. We will miss him and we’d like to simply say ... Thank You. me and many Kol Ami congregants to go forward and move our community into the future. He has provided insight and —Charlie Nail, Congregation Kol Ami Treasurer

2 Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • www.kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690 From Rabbi Scott Sperling Continued from page 1 board got when they put forth their recommendation of Rabbi This is truly an exciting time for Congregation Kol Ami of Simon Stratford as Kol Ami’s new rabbi. As the Mid-Atlantic Frederick! Council’s Regional Director, I worked closely with many search I would be remiss if I didn’t say a special thank you to a few committees and I have great appreciation for the transparency people. Our president, Joanna Sieger, has ably led Kol Ami and openness that were key elements of this search process. through a difficult passage and she has done so with only Like most everything else that I’ve observed at Kol Ami since the congregation’s best interests always in her heart. I am so early December, this process demonstrated the fundamental appreciative for her great spirit and all of the help that she has health of Kol Ami’s congregation culture and organization. It given to me. I have frequently commented that while I have gives me great hope that Kol Ami will continue to go, as our visited many, many Religious School programs in our region’s tradition puts it, ‘from strength to strength.’ smaller congregations I have rarely experienced the level of Second, these past few months have reminded me of an enthusiasm and willingness to volunteer as I have at Kol Ami. observation that I made to my wife after I got home from I attribute this to the great people in our congregation but that very first meeting that I attended so many years ago in I also want to both compliment and thank Sabrina Nail for Barri and Mark Hoffrichter’s living room: this is a group of very setting a high standard that is combined with a genuine love nice people. I am so grateful for all the kind words and the for Jewish education and an equally great affection for each amazing level of cooperation and activity that has marked and every student and teacher in the Kol Ami Religious School. this complicated and difficult period in the congregation’s I don’t have to tell you that past president, Jordan Schneider life. Whether at a Shabbat service, during a busy Sunday at is a unique individual. Loudly and passionately, Jordan has Religious School or at Purim and Passover activities, there have sought to support and help every aspect of congregational been many volunteers and an incredible spirit of engagement life and has been of inestimable help to me personally. I am so with the life of the congregation and the mission that Kol Ami grateful to him for all that he has done. I also want to thank my has defined as its own. amazing bima partner, Eric Dubbin. His enthusiasm, his great I feel extraordinarily good about this next transition from musical chops, his ability to work with and inspire our kids and interim to permanent rabbi. Rabbi Stratford and I are separated his seemingly endless supply of patience and smiles has made by 40 years in age and time since ordination, but I immediately my time at Kol Ami an absolute pleasure. There are so many recognized a kindred spirit in our approach to serving a others to thank including all of my b’nai mitzvah students and congregation. Rabbi Stratford and his fiancée are going to their parents. I hope that over the next several weeks, I’ll have find a loving, caring and deeply spiritual home at Kol Ami and the chance to individually thank many more of you. In the I know that you will welcome them with the same generous meantime, let’s enjoy all the wonderful moments that we have spirit that you’ve shown me in these past months. I also know coming up during the next two months! that you will show Rabbi Stratford great patience and that you’ll help him learn and grow as he settles into his first pulpit. Shalom, Rabbi Scott Sperling

Sponsor an Oneg ... and thank you! to celebrate and honor special events such as a birthday, Thank you to the following families for sponsoring onegs in anniversary, new baby, graduation, safe return, yahrzeit, or the months of March through June. any other occasion of your choice. • David Tuwiner Challah, wine, grape juice and assorted baked goods will be • Jodi and Ed Duckhorn provided after the service. Please support your congregation • Stephanie and Greg Brown (in honor of Brady Duckhorn’s by sponsoring an oneg while honoring a meaningful person Bar Mitzvah) or event in your life. Please call the office for more details. • Mary Cat and Jeff Lasko • Lisa and Kevin Graditor • Michelle and Steve McMahon SAVE THE DATE • Tracey and TJ McCabe Our Oneg Shabbat is one of the many pleasures of Congregational Annual Meeting belonging to Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick. Following Monday, June 5 at 7:00pm the Friday night services, the Oneg is a time to have a nosh and socialize in a relaxed setting. It is also a great opportunity Unitarian Universalist Congregation

Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • www.kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690 3 Upcoming Events

Rabbi Stratford Ordination Forever Youngsters Rabbi Stratford will be ordained on May 20 in SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR POT LUCK PARTY! Cincinnati, Ohio. Kol Ami will be in the house! Saturday, June 10, 2017 Anyone who would like to experience this truly Home of Jill and Richard Cody inspirational event, please contact Steve Fleisher Time: TBD at [email protected] to make arrangements to join Entertainment: the Kol Ami contingent! Mark Chilnick and Eric Dubbin playing music from our youth. For more information about Upcoming B’not Mitzvah Forever Youngsters/Empty Nesters contact: Judi Feldman Stella Graditor 216-402-5543 May 6, 2017 [email protected] Stella is the daughter of Lisa and Kevin Graditor and the sister of Dawson Graditor (9) and Colin Graditor (8 months). She is in 7th grade at Urbana Middle School. Stella loves everything Kol Ami Brotherhood theatrical. She has been a dancer since the Attention, Men of Kol Ami! age of 3, and now concentrates on hip hop and contemporary dance at Urbana Dance. She also enjoys singing, having Interested in some time out with the guys? Hoping to avoid yet participated in the Frederick County Honors Chorus, and another meeting? The Kol Ami Brotherhood gathers on the first musical theater. She has taken theater classes for several years, Tuesday of each month for dinner. (Watch your e-mail for location and sign-up information.) Over the summer, we’ll also have a both at Urbana Middle School and the Maryland Ensemble cookout with the new rabbi and go see a Keys baseball game. Theatre in Frederick. Stella also runs and plays tennis. If you are not on the mailing list or if you have any ideas Reagan McMahon for additional programming, please contact Jeff Feiertag June 3, 2017 ([email protected]). Reagan is the daughter of Michele and Steve The May Brotherhood dinner will be: McMahon and sister of Austin (15). The family Tuesday, May 2 at 6:30 pm is completed by their dog Oreo, who Reagan Greek Aroma lovingly takes care of. Reagan is currently a 7th 177 D Thomas Johnson Drive grader at Windsor Knolls Middle School. She Interested and able to join us? Sign up using the link below: plays volleyball, basketball, lacrosse and swims. When not at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JSRYR5B sports practices, she works on her Silver award for Girl Scouts. Since Kol Ami is holding an auction at Casino Night in May, the Brotherhood is contributing a basket of gift cards as an auction Hannah McCabe item. Please bring a gift card (any denomination, any store or June 17, 2017 restaurant) to the dinner and we’ll collect them all for the basket. Hannah is the daughter of Tracey and J.P. McCabe and sister of Jake McCabe (19). Hannah is a 7th grader at Urbana Middle School. She loves theater and was fortunate to be the only middle schooler cast in Urbana High School’s fall play, “Makin’ It,” this past October. Hannah is looking forward to a family cruise to Alaska this summer and to acting and singing classes.

Join us for services at the UU! May 5, 6 and 19 June 2, 3, 16 and 17 April Brotherhood dinner at Barley and Hops Grill & Microbrewery

4 Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • www.kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690 Upcoming Events

Kol Ami Book Club Women’s Coffee Wednesdays, May 3 and June 7, 2017 Wed. May 10 at 12:30 pm 10:00 am at Panera on Route 26 Macaroni Grill at Westview Women of Kol Ami meet on the first Wednesday of The Bridge Ladies every month, unless otherwise noted. Come meet your by Betsy Lerner friends and let us know what is happening in your life. Check this link for the latest coffee date: RSVP: http://www. For a synopsis of the book and to signupgenius.com/go/4090a45a9a92d6-womens RSVP: http://www.signupgenius. com/go/4090a45a9a92d6-kolami1

Casino Night FUNdraiser Dear Congregants, The date of our Casino Night is fast approaching! May 13 is the big night and RSVPs are due no later than April 28. You can sign up to attend here https:// kolamifrederick.org/civicrm/ event/info?id=26&reset=1 Rabbi Stratford, our new rabbi, and his fiancé will be in attendance. We have a large number of items for our silent auction. There will be great food and lots of fun for all! In order for this to be a success, we need YOU to attend and bring several non- congregant friends!!! Please invite your friends, neighbors and co-workers. It will be a great evening; you don’t want to miss it and you’ll want to share it with your friends!

Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • www.kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690 5 From your Religious School Director Sabrina Nail My Judaism is not perfect, but it’s genuine, passionate and important to me, even when I get a little creative about it. I do not have any formal religious training. However, I’m dedicated, curious and spiritual. Congregation Kol Ami has filled an important void in my heart and helped me find ​my Jewish identity. There are many times when religious school 3rd grade service or services conflict with my secular activities. Sometimes we may not celebrate Shabbat on Shabbat, but how different is that then celebrating a birthday on a better weekend? The point is to celebrate and embrace your Judaism. We are coming to the end of the school year and I hope that Kol Ami has a special place in your heart. At religious school we recently celebrated a school-wide Passover seder. We got a little creative!! Each individual seder plate consisted of Scooby Snacks, graham crackers shaped as bones, that represented the shank bone and chocolate eggs for the roasted egg. The Seder was a great learning experience shared by students demonstrating the importance of Jewish community. We came 4th grade service together to drink four cups of juice, ask the four questions and sing Dayenu together. We were with our Kol Ami family and shared the Passover story! It was wonderful. As Dr. Seuss says “Think left and think right, think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think if only you try!” We all must find our balance, be creative in our Judaism, and find what fits each of us so that we can continue to celebrate our Judiasm with pride. Please see the Kol Ami Website to register your child for the upcoming school year!

4th graders Purim celebration with Molly Sieger

PART-TIME RELIGIOUS SCHOOL TEACHER We are looking for part-time teachers for our religious school. Do you enjoy working with children? Are you free two Sundays a month? For more information, please contact Sabrina Nail at [email protected]

Religious School seder

6 Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • www.kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690 Help Wanted Support Kol Ami! • 2017-2018 Religious School Teachers Shop on smile.amazon.com • 2017-2018 Religious School Substitute Teachers • 5778 High Holiday volunteers • Tot Shabbat Service Captain(s) Please contact Joanna at [email protected] for information about the above needs. Congregation Kol Ami is participating in the “Amazon Smile” program! AmazonSmile is a website Advertise Your Business in the Voice operated by Amazon with the same products, Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick has a marvelous prices, and shopping features as Amazon.com. The advertising opportunity for your business! difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, Six bimonthly issues of our congregational newsletter, the Voice, are sent to more than 300 families in Frederick County and the the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the surrounding area. You can run your ad for an entire year or for purchase price of eligible products to the charitable any number of single issues. Electronic ads can be submitted to organization of your choice. [email protected]. The closing date for each issue When you log on to your account at is the 15th day of even-numbered months (February, April, June, smile.amazon.com, select Congregation Kol Ami August, October, December). Ads received after that date will be of Frederick before shopping. To be certain you’re deferred until the next issue, and the contract will begin then. Please contact Hermine Bernstein at advertising@ on the right site, look at the top of the page to see kolamifrederick.org or call (240) 575-9690 with any questions, “Supporting: Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick.” advertising rates, and to arrange a contract. For every purchase you make 0.5% will be donated to Kol Ami! It may not seem like much, but every 0.5% of ALL of our purchases adds up! What an easy way to donate! Please welcome new member! You can also go to kolamifrederick.org and find the Dr. Joe Berman link on the home page to start your holiday shopping.

Meet Dan Bilow, Our New Executive Vice President Dan and his wife, Elizabeth and their three young Brussels, Belgium, he tries to be an active father and husband. Those children, Aaron (12), Noah (8) and Sarah (8) have activities include participating in Aaron’s Boy Scout activities, Noah’s called Frederick home for over 11 years. They’ve been baseball and ice hockey, and Sarah’s figure skating and Girl Scouts. Every members of Kol Ami since 2011 and anxiously look once in a while Dan and Elizabeth can be found in downtown Frederick forward to Aaron’s Bar Mitzvah this October. trying out some the new eateries. A native of northern New Jersey, Dan graduated “I will admit, I was one of those parents who did not actively from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1994 and has had participate in Kol Ami activities other than dropping the kids off at nearly 23 years of Navy experience, both on active Hebrew School and occasionally attending services or functions once. duty and in the Reserves. Early in his military career, Dan served However, after attending the Kol Ami All-Hands meeting surrounding two ship tours in the Pacific fleet deploying to the Persian Gulf and the Rabbi’s ethical violation that one Sunday night back in November, I Caribbean Sea. His final active duty tour was at Defense Intelligence decided I could no longer be a mere spectator. I decided to get involved Agency in Washington, DC, where he met Elizabeth, just before being in the rabbinical search committee and then subsequently head up the deployed to Bosnia in 1999. After separating from active duty, Dan interview sub-committee. Ultimately, it was the best decision I ever immediately joined the Navy Reserves, only to be recalled to active duty made; I engaged with a lot of congregants and fellow members and immediately after 9/11 and to Haiti for 8 months following the 2010 the committee participation filled a void in my Jewish life. I’m glad to earthquake in Port-au-Prince. have participated and I look forward to serving as the Executive Vice In his regular job, Dan is a senior office director for the Passports/Visa President.” Section within the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC. He has Dan holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in History from The United previously worked in the defense industry and other government entities. States Naval Academy and a Master’s Business Administration (MBA) Dan is still a Commander (O-5) in the Navy Reserves and when he’s from Georgetown University. not working at the Pentagon or traveling to NATO Headquarters in

Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • www.kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690 7 Torah…“It is a tree of life to all who grasp it, and whoever holds on to it is happy; its ways are ways of pleasantness, and all its paths are peace. (Proverbs 3:17-18)

The Parashyot for May and June are as follows: May 6 - Acharei Mot - K’doshim/After the Death [of the Two Sons the land of Egypt, the Eternal One spoke to Moses in the wilderness of of Aaron], Leviticus 16:1-18:30 The Eternal One spoke to Moses after Sinai, in the Tent of Meeting, saying: “Take a census of the whole Israelite the death the two sons of Aaron who died when they drew too close company…” —Numbers 1:1-2 to the presence of the Eternal. —Leviticus 16:1 K’doshim/[You Shall Be] Holy Leviticus, 19:1-20:27 The Eternal One spoke to Moses saying: June 3 - Naso/Take a Census, Numbers - 4:21-7:89 The Eternal “Speak to the whole Israelite community and say to them: You shall be One spoke to Moses: “Take a census of the Gershonites also, by their holy, for I, the Eternal your God, am holy.” —Leviticus 19:1-2 ancestral house and by their clans.”—Numbers 4:21-22

May 13 - Emor/Speak, Leviticus 21:1-24:23 The Eternal One said to June 10 - B’haalot’cha/When You Raise [the Lamps], Numbers 8:1- Moses: “Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them: None 12:16 The Eternal One spoke to Moses, saying: “Speak to Aaron and say shall defile himself for any [dead] person among his kin, . . .” —Leviticus to him, ‘When you mount the lamps, let the seven lamps give light at the 21:1 front of the lampstand.’” —Numbers 8:1-2

May 20 - B’har - B’chukotai/On Mount [Sinai], Leviticus 25:1-26:2 June 17 - Sh’lach L’cha/Send [Notables to Scout the Land], The Eternal One spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai: “Speak to the Israelite Numbers 13:1-15:41 The Eternal One spoke to Moses, saying, “Send people and say to them: When you enter the land that I assign to you, emissaries to scout the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelite the land shall observe a sabbath of the Eternal.” —Leviticus 25:1-2 people; send one man from each of their ancestral tribes, each one a B’chukotai/My Laws, Leviticus 26:3-27:34 If you follow My laws and chieftain among them.” —Numbers 13:1-2 faithfully observe My commandments, I will grant your rains in their season, so that the earth shall yield its produce and the trees of the field June 24 - Korach/Korach, Numbers 16:1-18:32 Now Korach, son of their fruit. —Leviticus 26:3-4 Izhar son of Kohath son of Levi, betook himself, along with Dathan and Abiram sons of Eliab, and on son of Peleth–descendants of Reuben–to May 27 - B’midbar/In the Wilderness, Numbers 1:1-4:20 On the first rise up against Moses, ... —Numbers 16:1-2 day of the second month, in the second year following the exodus from Community Second Night Seder Join us for Torah Study! What a wonderful evening shared by those who attended Fascinating topics, interesting discussions. our annual community second night Seder. We had 12 tables Mondays at 12:30 p.m. at the office. filled with approximately 90 attendees. We hosted members May 1, 8, 15 and 22 and June 5, 12, 19 and 26 and non-members – a couple of them read about us online and joined the festivities. Even with that many people, our pot-luck meal fed everyone. The buffet was still full even after everyone had gone through it. Throwing a dinner for 90 is no easy task and making sure each person received at least one matzo ball in their soup took top priority in the days leading up to the Seder. We had enough chicken to share with the fire fighters and the homeless shelter. “Let all who are hungry, come and eat.” Even though they didn’t come to us, we donated to a couple of very worthy causes. The Seder before the meal was very festive. Some children in attendance joined Rabbi Sperling at the microphone for the four questions. Tables took turns reading from the Hagaddah and we sang wonderful song parodies about the holiday. The most important part of the Seder is how our community came together to produce it. We had a small army of volunteers who not only set up the room, but also quartered chicken, organized the buffet table, set up Seder plates, and made sure each table had the necessary items. And again, a small army mobilized to clean up the room. And the food was fabulous! This accentuates the fact that we are a community. We all play a role and these are the things that make me proud to be a part of Congregation Kol Ami.

8 Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • www.kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690 Vayikra - It’s All About Communication by Bob Blumenthal Writing commentary about Leviticus is often seen as a the people. The same detail is given to sacrifices using grain. challenge. While the other Five Books of Moses are mostly It is easy to get caught up in the details of the sacrifices and narratives with interesting family stories and poetic sections, perhaps shudder and be thankful we don’t do this anymore. In Leviticus concerns itself with the rituals of the high priests and fact, it is natural to wonder why we should even spend much descriptions of the laws and commandments. Not only does time reading and discussing this information. the overload of details make this comparatively a dry reading, That brings me back to the title, Vayikra and the beginning it is often difficult to find a way to relate these ancient rituals of the chapter, “[God] called unto Moses, and spoke unto to our contemporary view of Judaism. Therefore, it is always him...saying: Speak unto the children of Israel and say unto surprising when a chapter that was previously shrugged off as them...” (bold emphasis is mine). The theme of the chapter is unrelatable suddenly blossoms with an angle of insight that about communication! God is communicating with Moses to brings meaning to us today. This is something that happens communicate to the Israelites on how they will communicate unexpectedly when discussing the parsha at Torah study with with him. Their communication was to be in the form of other members of our study group. Sometimes the bouncing of sacrifices. As in any communication, it is important that the ideas between participants has the potential to do just this, and rules and practices are clear so as to avoid misunderstanding; such was the case for me with our Torah study’s recent reading hence the details on every aspect of each sacrifice. It is unusual of Vayikra, the first chapter of Leviticus. to us, because we do not communicate with God through The title, Vayikra, means “called.” The chapter begins, “And sacrifice any more. That ended with the destruction of the the Lord called unto Moses.” Usually, the verb used is vayomer, Temple almost 2000 years ago. “said.” The idea that not only the verb used is different but Instead, over the years Rabbis of the Diaspora developed it is important enough of a change that the chapter was our modern way to communicate with God. They developed even named for that change, Vayikra. I’ll get back to this in a prayer. We use prayer now, and we have categories of prayer moment. that copy the same categories of sacrifice. We have prayers for The chapter is about the ritual of making sacrifices to God. thankfulness, atonement and cleansing. We have order in how The chapter details different kinds of sacrifices, divided up into we pray when we pray together. Substitute prayer for sacrifice sacrifices of thankfulness, atonement, and cleansing. For each and suddenly Vayikra is something we can relate to after all. category the sacrifice can be of an animal such as cattle, sheep, Congregation Kol Ami holds Torah study (almost) every Monday goats, doves, or of different types of grains, and even using at 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm. Reading Torah is far more interesting the grains cooked in different ways as sacrifices. Each type is than you would expect. But the best part is the intellectual detailed as to how the animal must be slaughtered, how each stimulation that arises from the discussion of our readings. part of the animal must be used (or not used) in the sacrifice, So … Vayikra! We call to you who are able: come join us at who does what between the person offering the sacrifice and Torah study. You’ll be glad you did. And if you love the idea but the priest, what must be done with the blood, the fat, and are not free on Monday afternoons, you might talk to our new the waste. What part gets burnt to smoke for God’s pleasure, rabbi about setting up one of your own. and what part is to be consumed as food by the priests and

Need Financial Assistance? As announced in the last few editions of the Voice, members with their Kol Ami expenses such as dues, tuition financial assistance applications are not being accepted past and B’nai Mitzvah fees requires effective communication on November 1 this fiscal year, except in extreme situations both sides. We can’t help you if you do not ask. If you do not (which include job loss, family death, etc). ask, we assume your financial obligations to the congregation The financial assistance committee, with the support of the will be met without fail. If you do need assistance, please Board of Trustees, made this change for two reasons: Firstly, it contact us by November 1. We do not want to embarrass will allow us to know how much help we really need to give, anyone and we do not ask for financial records, as some instead of having those financial obligations sneaking up on temples do. We merely ask that if you need help, you let us us. Secondly, we need a better, more realistic accounting of know by November 1. how much money will be in the budget for the rest of the We cannot stress enough: If you face an unexpected year (as compared with the forecasted amount established financial hardship that will affect your ability to meet your by the Budget and Finance Committee the previous spring). obligations to the synagogue, please do not hesitate to let us It’s difficult to make plans and decisions when we don’t really know and we will work with you. If you have any questions know how much money will actually be in the bank at the or comments, please let us know (financialsecretary@ end of the year. kolamifrederick.org). Since the first days of Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick Additionally, if you can support a member through hard it has been our fundamental value that no one should be times, we welcome donations to our Membership Relief Fund. denied membership for financial reasons. However, helping

Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • www.kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690 9 Confirmation Class New York Trip

The 10th graders had an amazing trip to New York! There are four people that we would like to recognize for going above and beyond anything that could have been expected for these students. The trip would not have been possible without the hospitality and graciousness of Cookie and Steve Schneider (Jordan Schneider’s parents and Mara’s grandparents). They opened their home for the confirmation students and chaperones. They provided guidance for traveling around New York. Each morning the Schneiders also provided breakfast for our hungry travelers. Thank you! Our chaperones Lisa Stickley and Ben Brittain also went above and beyond to provide our confirmation students with a memorable trip to New York. Neither of them have a confirmation student in this class. They volunteered out of the kindness of their hearts! Lisa’s children previously had gone on this confirmation trip and had a wonderful time. Lisa drove the confirmation students to and from New York and provided lots of laughs. Ben now lives in New York and was confirmed at Kol Ami. They both understand the importance of the confirmation students having a memorable experience. Without them this trip would not have been possible. From the bottom of our hearts, Kol Ami thanks you!

“Experiencing a weekend in New York City with my confirmation group was an unforgettable experience. After a four hour ride from Maryland, I believe we were all relieved to arrive in Manhattan. Our first adventure to start the weekend was Friday night services at the B’nai Jeshurun Synagogue. We were immediately greeted by an usher who was excited to have us join them for the service. Although the service was different from Kol Ami’s, I enjoyed it greatly. During one of the songs, Molly and I joined the big circle dancing around the congregation. Another highlight of the night was hearing the rabbis’ chanting. Their harmony echoed throughout the beautiful synagogue sanctuary. Finishing the service, we got to listen to two songs performed by a teen a capella group from Illinois.” —Charlotte Brittain

“My New York experience was just as I had hoped it would be. I have always enjoyed going to Hebrew school ever since I was little. It wasn’t only the learning I enjoyed, but it was the friendships I made along the way. Spending time with Charlotte, Mara, and Ben for three days was the best experience I‘ve ever had. I enjoyed sharing this wonderful experience with them. We now have inside jokes like “Susan” and “heyyy baby.” Visiting New York allowed me to experience new places, and sharing them with my class was the best part.” —Molly Sieger

10 Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • www.kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690 Mark S. Hoffrichter, D.D.S. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

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Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • www.kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690 11 Beautiful • Peaceful • Local Jill Bluethenthal Cody, M.A., L.C.P.C. Cemetery 301-898-7177 Funeral Services 301-898-1577 Call 24 hours a day for information

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12 Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • www.kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690 13 Kol Ami of Frederick Board of Trustees Our Post Office Box is Closed Officers Trustees Our PO Box is now closed. Please use our office Joanna Sieger, President Bob Blumenthal address for correspondence: 182 Thomas Johnson [email protected] Harriet Buxbaum Drive, Suite 204, Frederick, MD 21702. If you have Anne Cohen Dan Bilow, Executive VP previously sent something to the PO Box, it should Ralene Damanti have been forwarded by USPS to the office. [email protected] Jeff Feiertag Jessica Price, Fundraising VP Allan Feldman [email protected] Samantha Lieberman A Note from LIli and Mike Loube Charlie Nail, Treasurer Betsy Maymon Please forgive our lateness. It’s been a very difficult time. [email protected] Cathy Reifman We would like to express our sincere appreciation for Mary Cat Lasko, Secretary all of your support and the donations made to Kol Ami [email protected] in memory of Mike’s mom, Helen Loube. We are very Jordan Schneider, Immediate Past President grateful. —Lili and Mike Loube [email protected] Board meetings are held the fourth Monday of every month, unless A special thanks to the memory of Tina Prensky for that Monday is a holiday, at the office. Please check our website for remembering Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick. exact dates and address.

14 Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • www.kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690 Donations Chavurah Services Hans and Jennifer Mykytyn in memory of Marilyn Cohen Jordan Schneider in honor of Lisa Stickley for chaperoning the Hans and Jennifer Mykytyn in recognition of Beth Yurmand and 10th grade confirmation class trip to New York Arthur Glaser’s new grandson Jordan Schneider in honor of Brady Duckhorn’s Bar Mitzvah Hans and Jennifer Mykytyn in memory of Blanche Glaser Hans and Jennifer Mykytyn in recognition of Rabbi Simon Education Fund Stratford Timothy and Debra Manetz in memory of Kathleen Manetz Charles and Sabrina Nail in memory of Tina Prensky Jordan Schneider in memory of Helen Loube Newt and Carolyn Plaisance in memory of Helen Loube Newt and Carolyn Plaisance in memory of Marilyn Cohen General Fund Plamondon Hospitality Association in memory of Tina Prensky Karen Ashwal in memory of Tina Prensky Ed and Cristina Prensky in memory of Marilyn Cohen Karen Ashwal in memory of Marilyn Cohen Ed and Cristina Prensky in memory of Helen Loube Donald and Margie Barber in memory of Tina Prensky Ed and Cristina Prensky in appreciation to the congregation Donald and Margie Barber in memory of Jonathan Train for its support Gregory and Stephanie Brown in honor of Brady Duckhorn’s Michael and Diane Rifkin in memory of Tina Prensky Bar Mitzvah Michael and Diane Rifkin in memory of Marilyn Cohen Howard and Harriet Buxbaum in memory of Marilyn Cohen Garth and Debbie Rosenberg in memory of Tina Prensky Howard and Harriet Buxbaum in honor of Rabbi Simon Stratford Janice Rosenblatt in memory of Marilyn Cohen Michael and Anne Cohen in memory of Tina Prensky George and Julie Saxon in memory of Tina Prensky Michael and Anne Cohen in memory of Helen Loube George and Julie Saxon in memory of Marilyn Cohen Michael and Anne Cohen in memory of Evelyn Kahn Janis and Marc Schimsky in memory of Marilyn Cohen Michael and Anne Cohen in recognition of Jordan Schneider and Daniel and Joanna Sieger in memory of Tina Prensky Betsy Maymon’s leadership on the Search Committee Daniel and Joanna Sieger in memory of Helen Loube Nick and Brett Dabruzzo Daniel and Joanna Sieger in memory of Marilyn Cohen Frank and Ralene Damanti David and Brenda Silberman in memory of Marilyn Cohen Ruth de La Viez David and Brenda Silberman in honor of Rabbi Simon Stratford Lynne Eisenberg in memory of Marilyn Cohen Ruth Stuart Marty Erlichman in memory of Marilyn Cohen Sylvia Tulkoff in memory of Marilyn Cohen Berta Farbman Nelson and Celia Zahler in memory of Marilyn Cohen Mark Farbman Jeff Feiertag in honor of Rabbi Simon Stratford Kadima Fund Allan and Judy Feldman in memory of Helen Loube Frank and Ralene Damanti in memory of Marilyn Cohen Allan and Judy Feldman in memory of Marilyn Cohen Frank and Ralene Damanti in memory of Rachel Berman Allan and Judy Feldman in memory of Tina Prensky Mark and Barri Hoffrichter in memory of Helen Loube Membership Relief Mark and Barri Hoffrichter in memory of Marilyn Cohen Jordan Schneider in memory of Marilyn Cohen Mark and Barri Hoffrichter In honor of Ellie Tuwiner’s Bat Mitzvah Mark and Barri Hoffrichter for the speedy recovery of Joy Effron Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Mark and Barri Hoffrichter for the speedy recovery of Paula Gregory and Stephanie Brown in memory of Theodore Cohen Sherman Gregory and Stephanie Brown in memory of Morton Brown Mark and Barri Hoffrichter in honor of Rabbi Simon Stratford Ed and Cristina Prensky in recognition of Rabbi Sperling for his Richard and Frannie Kessler in memory of Helen Loube support at this difficult time Richard and Frannie Kessler in memory of Tina Prensky Ed and Cristina Prensky and family in memory of Tina Prensky Richard and Frannie Kessler in memory of Marilyn Cohen Jordan Schneider in honor of the diligence and hard work of the Peggy Kestenbaum in memory of Marilyn Cohen Search Committee Barry and Ellen Koitz in memory of Tina Prensky Jordan Schneider in honor of Rabbi Simon Stratford Barry and Ellen Koitz in honor of Kol Ami’s leadership Jeff and Mary Cat Lasko Yahrzeit Donations Michael and Samantha Lieberman Ilene Baranowitz in memory of Thelma Kolotkin Bernard and Betty Loeb in memory of Helen Loube Berta Farbman in memory of Martin Tulkoff Bernard and Betty Loeb in memory of Marilyn Cohen Berta Farbman in memory of Morris Grossman Bernard and Betty Loeb in memory of Edith Segal Ronald Kestenbaum in memory of Emanuel Kestenbaum Bernard and Betty Loeb in memory of Joseph Loeb Ed Prensky in memory of Lillian Prensky Mike and Liliane Loube in memory of Helen Loube Neil Sandler in memory of Francine Sandler Rachel Mandel & Richard Sedlak in honor of Rabbi Simon Julie Saxon in memory of Paul Harris Stratford Dennis Whitaker in memory of Raymond Brodsky Steve and Michelle McMahon Dennis Whitaker in memory of Beatrice Brodsky Hans and Jennifer Mykytyn in memory of Helen Loube

Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • www.kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690 15 congregation Kol Ami of frederick The Voice

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May and June 2017 Upcoming Events May June Mon, May 1 12:30pm Torah Study Fri, June 2 6:30pm Tot Shabbat Service Tues, May 2 6:30pm Brotherhood Dinner 7:30pm Erev Shabbat Service - Wed, May 3 10:00am Women’s Coffee Confirmation Shabbat Fri, May 5 6:30pm Tot Shabbat Service Sat, June 3 10:00am Shabbat Morning Service 7:30pm Erev Shabbat Service - Bat Mitzvah-Reagan McMahon Baseball Shabbat Mon, June 5 12:30pm Torah Study Sat, May 6 10:00am Shabbat Morning Service 7:00pm Congregational Annual Meeting Bat Mitzvah-Stella Graditor Tues, June 6 6:30pm Brotherhood Dinner Sun, May 7 9:15am Confirmation Class - Last Day Wed, June 7 10:00am Women’s Coffee 9:30am Religious School - Last Day Sat, June 10 6:00pm Pot Luck Empty Nesters Mon, May 8 12:30pm Torah Study Mon, June 12 12:30pm Torah Study Wed, May 10 12:30pm Book Club Fri, June 16 7:30pm Erev Shabbat Service Sat, May 13 8:00pm Casino Night Fundraiser Sat, June 17 10:00am Shabbat Morning Service Mon, May 15 12:30pm Torah Study Bat Mitzvah-Hannah Mccabe Fri, May 19 7:30pm Erev Shabbat Service - Mon, June 19 12:30pm Torah Study Accoustic Shabbat Fri, June 23 7:30pm Erev Shabbat Service Mon, May 22 12:30pm Torah Study Mon, June 26 12:30pm Torah Study 7:00pm Board Meeting Mon, May 29 Memorial Day - No Torah Study

16 Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • www.kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690